Volume 20 Number 3 Newsletter of the Swansea Area Ratepayers' Association NOTICE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING to be held at SWANSEA TOWN HALL 95 Lavinia Avenue on Tuesday, May 17, 1994 at 7:30 P.M. Guest Speaker: Len Rach, P. Eng. Director of Engineering, Metro Transportation Dept. Presentation on Humber River Bridges ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING · Annual Reports · Election of Officers · Constitutional Amendment: "To increase membership fees effective January 1, 1995 as follows: - single membership from $6.00 to $8.00 - family membership from $8.00 to $10.00 - business membership from $10.00 to $12.00" There has not been any increase in several years but the cost of stamps and printing the newsletter have increased considerably. The Executive is recommending an increase in the fees in order to continue to provide the newsletter.   HIGH PARK We are monitoring the situation in regard to High Park. We hope you found the meeting sponsored by SARA and the Swansea Horticultural Society interesting. ELLIS AVENUE PROJECT SARA sponsored a public meeting on this project. We are continuing to monitor the matter and have asked the Planning & Development Department to advise us as to whether the height and general footprint of the buildings shown at the public meeting can be required. May 1994 SWANSEA TOWN HALL As a reminder, please drop by and see the facilities. Speak to Jamie Bell and he can advise of the rental rates for conferences, receptions, weddings and meetings. Follow the Green Signs to the Swansea Town Hall. Thanks to Councillor Boytchuk, Nick Vardin of Public Works, and the Board of Management of the Swansea Town Hall. SWANSEA MEMORIAL LIBRARY The Library Staff has advised us that when they review the use of the Swansea Memorial Library and compare the circulation with the three other small libraries in the Toronto system, they will consider the shorter hours of operation and the smaller catchment area of the Swansea Memorial Library. The staff will consider changing the hours to make the Library more accessible at night. It is important to remember that the Swansea Memorial Library is on probation, and that we are still in a use it or lose it situation. Unless it is used it will be closed. The current level of use at present apparently does support its ongoing operation. You can arrange for any movie, book or any other library material to be delivered to the Swansea Branch for pick-up. You can even order by computer at the branch or from your home using a computer modem. We have just learned that the Library hours will be changed from May 3rd. The main change is that it will be closed on Monday and open Tuesday. NEW LIBRARY HOURS EFFECTIVE MAY 3/94: Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday: Closed 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 1:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Closed 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Closed GARDINER LAKESHORE TASKFORCE We continue to monitor the Colborne Lodge Road project and will keep you advised. SOUTH KINGSWAY-HUMBER BRIDGES David Crombie has been asked to look into the issues raised by SARA in regard to the underwater north/south bicycle path on the Toronto (Swansea) side. There have been difficulties getting all the parties together for meetings, but there has been one meeting so far. SARA continues to express concern with the below water level of the north/south bicycle route on the Toronto (Swansea) side of the Humber River. SARA EXECUTIVE If you need help remember your executive is your neighbours. Your Executive consists of S. Wilkinson, President; G. Martinsons and D'Arcy Dunal, Vice-Presidents; S. Campbell, Secretary; J. Oreto, Treasurer; L. Gris, Membership; Ritvars Bregzis, Past-President; J. Bell, L. Clay, E. Gaigalas, T. Kortenaar, Tony Giniotis, B. Gordon, W. Haines, O. Iwanyshyn, R. Graham, P. Meier, M. Rew, R. Thede, Wm. Roberts, and M. Robertson. Please note that Executive meetings are public and held normally on the third Tuesday of each month. There may be seating capacity limitations so contact the Executive before you come to a meeting. MEMBERSHIP Please remember that your membership is due now unless you have already renewed. The fees for 1994 are $6.00 for individuals, $8.00 for family, and $10.00 for businesses per year. Please contact L. Gris at 766-2792 to renew. Membership inquiries may be sent to Swansea Area Ratepayers' Association, c/o Swansea Town Hall, Box 103, 95 Lavinia Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6S 3119. SWANSEA BY-LAWS Mainstreets SARA has formally objected to Mainstreets because of the reduced parking standards. OFFICIAL PLAN We are continuing to monitor this matter. METROPLAN Bill Roberts has filed a formal objection with Metro in regard to the changes it is now proposing in regard to the new Metro Plan. Metro Plan will override our local Official Plan. Our concerns relate to the changes made which remove the protection the earlier Metro Plan had in regard to Main Streets. In addition, we objected to the requirement that all low density residential areas must permit accessory apartments leg. small businesses). COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT 2 Grenadier Ravine Drive SARA supported the area residents who were concerned about the proposal. There were two Committee of Adjustment hearings. The first was adjourned so the community could review the revised plans which had scaled back the proposal. At the second hearing concerns were raised in regard to the third floor addition and the garage. The Committee of Adjustment approved the scaled back proposal provided that: 1) the building was built in accordance with the footprint of the revised plan, and 2) the garage addition was eliminated. SKATING RINK The Swansea Community Centre Advisory Council has agreed to allow SARA to send a representative and two alternates to the Skating Rink Design Committee. It is our understanding that it is possible, based on new technology, that a portable ice system could be used which would allow a larger surface for public pleasure skating at a lower price than traditional methods. We have not taken a position. SARA will endeavour to balance various issues, but will try to ensure that the adjacent neighbours and pleasure skaters have a voice in the process. A sub-committee of the SARA Executive has been created consisting of D'Arcy Dunal, Oleh Iwanyshyn and Tony Giniotis. They have the power to add others to advise them. If you want to get involved, contact them. VOIDS & REPLACEMENT HOUSING SARA has asked as to the status of the report which was designed to prevent monster houses such as 152 Evelyn Ave. from occurring. HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE MEETING! Editor- Bill Roberts Advisory Committee G. Martinsons S. Wilkinson